What do you use to clean grout on a honed marble floor?

MaryStLouis
by MaryStLouis

I have a honed Carrera marble floor in my master bath. Every product I have tried etches the marble (if it works at all) or the grout looks just the same after scrubbing. I have tried many natural solutions off of Pinterest and retail products with zero results (one worked well but etched the tile) and it's getting frustrating. Does anyone know what will work to clean the grout without damaging the stone?

  26 answers
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 22, 2014
    You can rent a vaporlux machine. Or actually it's a big steam cleaning machine. I use it to clean my grout and tile. You point the hose at the grout and it melts the dirt off with steam and wipe it off. All tool rental stores carry it.
    • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on Dec 22, 2014
      @Sherrie Thank you! I'm over on YouTube watching a performance video right now so appreciate your suggestion. I had never heard of anything like this.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 23, 2014
    My husband managed several took rental companies...I get to try everything out! This is my favorite one! Half of my house is tile and I clean it and reseal it every year. Messy but cheaper than paying someone else to do the exact same thing to clean your grout! Hope it works for you, let me know.
  • Edie Edie on Dec 23, 2014
    Grout gets really clean with half cup of baking soda mixed with hall cup of bleach. Apply to grout lines let sit for 20 minutes and then scrub off.
    • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on Dec 23, 2014
      Unfortunately, I have learned that bleach turns Carrara marble pink. Thank you, though, I appreciate your reply.
  • Denise Hardy Denise Hardy on Dec 23, 2014
    Hi - we have a house in Spain which is all tiles and I use a product called Salfumente - not sure if they sell in the US though - but you could google it in your area? This stuff just 'melts' away the grime - but you need to wear rubber gloves - also it does not damage the tiles!
  • Cornelia Schott Cornelia Schott on Dec 23, 2014
    I like your floor and curtain combination! I am a big fan of what Edie said to clean my marble >>> baking soda and bleach. My marble is in my foyer. I hope it works for you!
  • Sharon Sharon on Dec 23, 2014
    If the steaming doesn't work as well as you'd like, try Grout Renew at Home Depot. It's a bit time consuming since you paint it on but it completely changes the grout color and seals in one step. You could try the gray and it won't yellow like white does over time. I did my kitchen and foyer floors, came out beautiful. It's about $7.
    • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on Dec 23, 2014
      That's great to know. I've seen it in the store but was unsure about it so your recommendation helps.
  • Shari Shari on Dec 23, 2014
    Since Sherrie suggested steam, I'm assuming steam will not hurt the marble so what about a steam mop? I bought 2 of these (1 for me; 1 for daughter) almost a year ago and it is awesome! This thing has changed my life. Seriously! Mopping (and grout) used to be a pain in my .... Definitely my most dreaded chore but I actually somewhat look forward to mopping now with this steam mop. The very high number of 5 star reviews sold me on this model and I love everything about it. http://www.amazon.com/BISSELL-Powerfresh-Steam-White-1940/dp/B0091YYUAM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1393908490&sr=8-2&keywords=bissell+powerfresh You could consider renting one of the machines Sherrie suggested to do the initial cleaning and then you could follow up with regular moppings with a steam mop to keep the tile and grout looking fresh and clean.
    • See 1 previous
    • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 24, 2014
      What I suggested is totally different than a steam mop. A lot of companies who clean grout use these machines. It get boiling hot and melts the dirt off. It isn't for everyday cleaning. It is once a year cleaning and then you neat to reseal the grout. Different sealers last different lengths of time. Some are good for 6 months, some for a year. I always reseal with the sealer that last a year.
  • 117135 117135 on Dec 23, 2014
    I have also used the Grout Renew! It worked great for me and I have been very happy with the outcome. I used it last March on my bathroom floor and they are still looking great!
    • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on Dec 23, 2014
      Awesome! If I can't find the big steamer cleaner at a rental yard I know now that I have a backup plan. :)
  • Barbara Burnham Barbara Burnham on Dec 23, 2014
    Love Grout Renew. Sold in little bottles in flooring section of big box home improvement stores. Did entire house floor and countertops with toothbrush. Tile even looks new and I accented a different color from the tile so mute the contrast. House was a repossession and is now a rental. Every looker LOVED the tile......I think it was really the grout. Did all of it in one day! Never had a steamer do this!!! Lol
  • Elisabete Matias Elisabete Matias on Dec 23, 2014
    Se pulvulhar com bicabornato de sódio e em seguida aplicar vinagre vai fazer efervichencia e depois esfregar com uma escova de dentes fica como novo e não danifica nada
  • Denise Rankin Denise Rankin on Dec 24, 2014
    Sounds as if your tile needs to be sealed again. That should help with the "gounding in" of the dirt.
  • Leslie Leslie on Dec 24, 2014
    Try using dryer sheets, it may take a little muscle. The grout will come clean. Once you have cleaned it and the squares, mop the floor once a week, dry, with the sheets. I have been using them for years on my marble end tables and coffee table. The are close to 50 years old an look brand new. Let me know how it works for you.
    • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on Dec 24, 2014
      @Leslie That is something I would never have thought to do. Thank you, Leslie, I will do that this weekend and will let you know. Interesting!
  • Brandi Lynn Brandi Lynn on Mar 19, 2016
    I realize that time has passed - a lot of time lol - I use my steam cleaner and my favorite cleaner or I've used vinager. Love my steamer! Will never be without it now
    • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on Mar 19, 2016
      @Brandi Lynn Thanks, Brandi. We sold that house with those high maintenance floors. :)
  • Renee Renee on Oct 05, 2016
    I have the same marble tiles and quarry tiles through out my home. I've found a gel toilet bowl cleaner w/ bleach has made it the easiest to clean the tile and grout. Get a good grout brush, and I used re-juvinate grout paint and tiles sealer ( Home Depot) took a few days, cleaning and painting, but it has worked. I have a family of 6 ( All boys and 3 dogs. The paint and sèaler has held up for over a year.
  • Julie Julie on Oct 06, 2016
    A little diluted bleach and water lightly sprayed onto grout let dry..Or natural way baking soda and white vinegar rub with an old toothbrush wipe clean.Remember to seal your grout it helps keep it clean and mould free.
  • Lynne Webb Lynne Webb on Nov 09, 2016
    Have you tried foaming shaving cream and a toothbrush? I know someone who did that and it worked. Tiresome? Oh, yes, but then get something to renew the grout. It's sort of like a paint but seeps into the grout. Then use a sealer.
  • Rupinder Dhingra Rupinder Dhingra on Mar 11, 2017

    I have a thick layer of dry water on my bathroom's marble floor. No acid or chemical worked. It is going worst to worst. What can i do?

  • Caroline Caroline on Apr 12, 2017

    Hi, I am in the Uk and I have a marble bathroom/shower room, the grout lines in the shower do get stained and I use simple "washing up liquid" in a small bowl and a toothbrush! The liquid doesn't scratch the marble - it's a very onerous job but the lines come up a treat, just remember to keep rinsing what you have done as it becomes VERY slippy! Once finished and rinsed with water I then use a non abrasive cloth to give the marble an extra shine!

  • Jenny Campbell Jenny Campbell on Apr 12, 2017

    2 gallons hot water and 3 cups oxy clean put on with mop soak for 15 min, mop up may have to a brush on stubborn spots rinse with vinegar and warm water

  • Linda Linda on Feb 25, 2020

    Test this on a small area and try to keep it off of the marble. Make a paste of baking soda and peroxide then apply it to your grout with a toothbrush. Let it sit a little and then remove with a clean cloth.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 21, 2021

    Paint the grout a colour thatway it won't be so obvious. OR Never wet Mop the floor when you get the colour you want as the grout will always retin the dirt that gets spread around

  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Aug 01, 2022

    I have several cleaning tutorials that might help you https://chascrazycreations.com/diys/how-tos/cleaning/

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Aug 08, 2022

    1. Remove surface dirt with hot water and a towel.
    2. Mix together ½ cup baking soda, ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tsp dish soap.
    3. Spoon cleaning agents onto grout and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
    4. Scrub the grout lines with a brush. ...
    5. Wipe clean.


  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Nov 30, 2022

    This is how I do it: How to Clean Grout

    1. Remove surface dirt with hot water and a towel.
    2. Mix together ½ cup baking soda, ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tsp dish soap.
    3. Spoon cleaning agents onto grout and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
    4. Scrub the grout lines with a brush. ...
    5. Wipe clean.


  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Feb 02, 2023

    Here are several tips and tricks that might help you https://chascrazycreations.com/floor-cleaning-hacks/

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 12, 2023

    Mix baking soda with warm water to make a paste that has a consistency of toothpaste. Place a small amount of the paste on the bristle of the toothbrush and gently rub it on the grout. Leave it to dry. Be careful not to get any of the paste on the marble.